Service. As to the onboard service, Air Canada has received a number of accolades from airline rating company Skytrax, including Best Airline in North America (eight times in 10 years), Best Airline Staff in Canada and Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in North America.

Air Canada is generally considered a high-quality, full-service carrier and is currently the only four-star international airline in North America according to Skytrax. As of 2026, it is praised for its modern fleet, particularly the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and its "Signature Class" which offers lie-flat pods and high-end dining that rivals top European and Asian carriers. However, like many large legacy airlines, its reputation can be polarizing; frequent flyers often praise its global network and "Aeroplan" loyalty program—widely regarded as one of the best for award redemptions—while occasional travelers sometimes criticize it for high fares and occasional operational delays at major hubs like Toronto Pearson. In the context of 2026, Air Canada has significantly improved its "on-time" performance and sustainability initiatives, solidifying its position as a reliable, premium choice for transcontinental and international travel, though it faces stiff competition from boutique airlines and low-cost rivals in the domestic Canadian market.